GABF Results – Delaware

The old adage is Location, Location, Location. And although that phrase was coined for business real estate, it definitely can be applied to other aspects of life. And since this is a beer blog (for the most part), I’m sure you can already see where this is going.

If you locked 50 beer lovers from around the country in a room and asked them where is the hub of craft brewing in America you’d likely get 52 different opinions. That’s the level of debate that can run wild when you get beer lovers together arguing over where the best place to live is if you want to best experience the craft beer revolution. And most of those people arguing the virtues of their selected area would have valid points. Let’s face it, when it comes to craft beer there are a lot of amazing cornerstones around the US. People from Seattle, Portland, Boulder, NY, etc can all easily argue how special their place in the craft beer world is. That’s why I always get strange looks when I tell people that I feel lucky to be enjoying the craft beer growth from – Delaware.

Yes, Delaware. Definitely not the first place that jumps into your mind when you think of the craft beer revolution, but I think the thought has merit none the less. First, I’m only two and a half hours or less from NYC, Baltimore and Washington DC. Places like Rattle N Hum, Blind Tiger, Max’s Taphouse, and Bier Baron (the former Brickskeller) are just a day trip away. Also, brew establishments such as Stoudt’s, Sly Fox, Yards, Nodding Head, and Triumph are within a reasonable car drive away.

As far as Delaware itself, well everyone knows Dogfish Head, but we have some other breweries doing some amazing things as well. The Iron Hill chain, with locations in Newark and at the Wilmington Riverfront (as well of their locations outside Delaware) are pushing the limits of craft beer by allowing the brewers at each location free rein to create beers that they find interesting. And of course there is Stewart’s who make solid beers and build a clientele that enjoys what they have to offer.

But it’s not just the brewpubs that are doing well. Brewer’s Twin Lakes showed up a few years ago as well as the new kids on the block Evolution Brewing and 16 Mile Brewing. All which are brewing beers that are beginning to gain tap room at local bars. And then there’s Fordham, who when their brewery in Maryland got to small they pulled up stakes and moved to Dover, DE where they’ve flourished quite nicely.

So with that in mind I’d like to salute my state’s metal wins at the 2011 GABF. Congratulations guys, can’t wait to be at the bar tasting your metal winning beers! And to all the other GABF winners who are just a day drive away – I’ll be seeing you all sometime soon as well.